Direct Access

Direct Access

The Access to Hearing Healthcare Act of 2014 has been introduced in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate (H.R. 4035/S. 2046 - direct access legislation). This bill eliminates the need for Medicare patients to obtain a physician referral prior to visiting an audiologist for an evaluation. Veterans, who have completed the necessary requirements to establish eligibility for healthcare services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have direct access to audiology services. Additionally, the Office of Personnel Management allows federal employees to directly access audiologists through the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan, and many private insurance companies also employ this model. The Access to Hearing Healthcare Act would afford Medicare patients the same direct access to an audiologist. Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) is the lead sponsor of H.R. 4035 in the U.S House of Representatives. His leadership is particularly noteworthy given his background as an M.D. and his position as the ranking member of the U.S. House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health; a committee which has jurisdiction over this issue in the U.S. House. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is the lead sponsor of S. 2046 in the U.S. Senate, he is a member of the Finance Committee, the Senate committee which has jurisdiction over this issue.

The grassroots efforts of audiologists have contributed to the creation of a strong foundation on this issue, however it is the continued involvement and visibility of audiologists that will further promote awareness for direct access among lawmakers. The following resources are intended to assist in advocating for direct access: